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Smithville aldermen say city faces more than $100 million in utility needs; direct staff to prepare ballot language
Summary
At a July 7 work session the Smithville Board of Aldermen reviewed master-plan findings that put utility needs at more than $100 million over the next decade and directed staff to pursue SRF financing, evaluate interim options and craft ballot language with public outreach.
The Smithville Board of Aldermen on July 7 reviewed city utility master-plan findings and directed staff to pursue financing options after staff said the city faces more than $100 million in water and wastewater infrastructure needs over the next decade. Mayor Boley and four aldermen attended the work session; one alderman was absent.
Cynthia Wagner, representing city staff, opened the presentation with an overview of the planning process and recent assessments that identified aging water and wastewater facilities requiring substantial investment. Finance Director Rick Welch outlined recent capital work — including water and sewer treatment upgrades, force-main improvements, sewer line replacements and lift-station upgrades — and said those investments, plus an ongoing slip-lining program, have not eliminated the larger rehabilitation and replacement needs. Staff presented a projection of more than $100 million in anticipated utility costs over the next ten years to address treatment plant upgrades, capacity expansions, replacements and reliability improvements.
The Board emphasized that maintaining local ownership and operation of the city's utilities remains the preferred approach and that delaying projects would likely increase future costs and the risk of emergency failures. Board members also noted that while developers contribute to growth-related infrastructure, many projects under consideration are systemwide replacements that serve all residents.
As a next step, the Board directed staff to move forward with pursuing State Revolving Fund (SRF) financing, evaluate interim financing options such as Certificates of Participation (COPs), and prepare ballot language and public engagement materials explaining the needs and proposed financing. Staff said plans for expanded outreach include community conversations, informational meetings, educational materials and facility tours to provide residents with direct insight into system conditions and investment needs.
